European Union: "This case is all the more deplorable since Ms Cherevatenko's outstanding work on human rights education, peace building, and humanitarian issues is well-known and widely appreciated."

"The criminal charges brought against activist Valentina Cherevatenko, a leader in the NGO "Union of Women of Don", represent the first criminal case opened under the "foreign agents" law in Russia. The practice of declaring NGOs as "foreign agents" cripples civil society and restricts the exercise of fundamental freedoms. This case is all the more deplorable since Ms Cherevatenko's outstanding work on human rights education, peace building, and humanitarian issues is well-known and widely appreciated."

- Statement by the Spokesperson, European Union, External Action

Source:'Statement by the Spokesperson on the criminal charges brought against Russian human rights defender Valentina Cherevatenko,' European Union External Action, 29 June 2016